Spotlight on women: from words to action at FLII
Closing the gender gap in Latin American climate tech entrepreneurship
This year’s FLII brought together leading actors from the finance and climate tech ecosystem. A perfect opportunity for CATAL1.5°T to highlight the role of women in climate tech. Our panel at FLII 2025 marked the official launch of a new regional support platform for women entrepreneurs and gave insights from key players and female founders.
At the Latin American Impact Investment Forum (FLII) 2025, CATAL1.5°T co-hosted the panel “Innovative Women in Climate Action: Innovation for a Sustainable Future”, bringing together key voices in climate tech and international cooperation. The discussion was moderated by Felix Steinberg, CATAL1.5°T’s regional coordinator, and featured:
- Carolina Onofre, CEO of Alejandría #7
- Juan del Cerro, CEO of Disruptivo TV
- Vanessa González, Director of Fomento Social Banamex
- Silke Silva, First Secretary for Cooperation at the German Embassy in Mexico
Highlights and insights from the panel
The panel highlighted the vital role of women in advancing low-emission innovation and the need for cross-sector partnerships to overcome structural barriers. It also marked the official launch of the platform “Mujeres de Cambio en Climate Tech”, now open to applicants from across Latin America.
“Global challenges need global solutions. The collaboration of all key actors in the ecosystem is essential.”
- Silke Silva, German Embassy in Mexico
“Supporting women entrepreneurs in climate tech means accelerating solutions that benefit both communities and the planet.”
- Ana Vanessa González Deister, Fomento Social Banamex
Following the panel, CATAL1.5°T hosted a private dialogue between women entrepreneurs and the German Embassy. Two ventures presented their work:
- Alejandría #7, which develops veterinary pharmaceuticals from Hermetia illucens, a highly efficient insect species
- microTERRA, creator of Mask, a Lemna-based additive that improves natural sweeteners while helping purify aquatic ecosystems
These exchanges reinforced the importance of visibility, mentorship, and international networks in helping women scale climate tech innovations.
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© GIZ/Josué García